INLD Leader Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of Power Tariff Hikes in Haryana
In a significant move, Prof Sampat Singh, national patron of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and former minister, has demanded the immediate removal of fixed charges, enhanced power tariffs, fuel surcharge adjustments (FSA), and cross-subsidy burdens from electricity bills in Haryana. Appearing before the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission on Wednesday, Prof Singh highlighted the ongoing financial distress faced by power distribution companies, despite the implementation of the central government's UDAY Scheme in 2015.
Financial Stress Persists Despite Debt Relief
Prof Singh pointed out that under the UDAY Scheme, debts amounting to Rs 25,950 crore were taken over to alleviate the burden on power corporations. However, he claimed that these companies are once again under mounting financial pressure. Citing figures shared in Parliament by the Union power minister, he revealed that Haryana's power corporations had outstanding liabilities of Rs 20,311 crore as of March 2025, with cumulative losses soaring to Rs 27,915 crore.
Although the corporations reported a profit of Rs 712.72 crore in 2023-24 and projected a profit of Rs 1,605 crore for 2026-27, Prof Singh argued that these amounts have been factored into the annual revenue requirement for 2024-25. Additionally, he noted that the corporations are seeking an extra Rs 4,484 crore for the upcoming financial year, further straining consumers.
Concerns Over Fixed Charges and Tariff Hikes
Raising alarm over fixed charges, Prof Singh detailed that domestic consumers are being levied Rs 50 to Rs 75 per kilowatt, while industrial consumers face an increase from Rs 165 to Rs 290 per kilowatt, alongside higher tariffs. He compared this with Delhi and Rajasthan, where fixed charges stand at Rs 125 and Rs 160 per kilowatt, respectively, warning that industries might relocate due to the elevated costs in Haryana.
The senior leader estimated that fixed charges alone would generate nearly Rs 20,000 crore during 2025-26 and 2026-27, over and above regular tariffs. He also highlighted the cross-subsidy burden, with high-tension (HT) consumers paying an additional Rs 1.41 per unit and low-tension (LT) consumers charged 31 paise per unit.
Fuel Surcharge Adjustments and Outstanding Dues
Describing the FSA as a never-ending issue, Prof Singh stated that it is currently being charged at 47 paise per unit. Although the recovery was announced in April 2023 and was supposed to conclude by June 2024, it remains in force. He urged the commission to transparently disclose the total FSA recovery and the remaining amount to consumers.
Prof Singh also pointed out that nearly 22 lakh consumers have outstanding electricity bills totaling Rs 8,000 crore. Honest and regular consumers are bearing the burden, he said, urging the government to assume responsibility for these dues, similar to how it took over the corporations' earlier debt. Additionally, he alleged financial irregularities in the functioning of the power utilities, calling for greater accountability and reform in the sector.
